In addition to the fast Renault Clio Cup cars and the Porsche GT3 Cup race car already presented, roadrunner racing will enter a Ferrari F430 GTC in class SP8 in the VLN endurance racing championship Nürburgring in 2012. The basic car is a Ferrari F430 Challenge.
The car is currently undergoing extensive modifications in order to make it fit for the requirements at the Nordschleife. The technical staff around Denys Tessmann is focussing on an aerodynamic kit, the conversion of the brake system from carbon ceramic brake discs to steel brake discs, the improvement of the engine and gearbox cooling and of course the installation of a suspension adapted to the Nordschleife. The current plans include 6 participations in the season. The second driver in the red beauty to support the Swedish car owner Torbjörn Ekstrand remains to be confirmed.
Torbjörn Ekstrand: “I have been competing in the Ferrari Challenge since 2007 quite successfully. Since 2009, I have additionally participated in the DMW Touring Car Race Series and finished this series into second overall place. Since 2010, our programme included the Swedish GT Series which was very successful for us, too. In 2011 then, I took up the challenge at the Nordschleife. The VLN race in a Seat Leon in class SP3T unfortunately finished with a technical failure. The test to start in the VLN with the Ferrari F430 Challenge in its basic specification ended with a third place in our class. In my remaining free time, I drive a Radcial at various tracks with great passion. My focus this year will be the VLN and next year in addition the 24h Race at the Nordschleife. With roadrunner racing, I have found a team which satisfies my high ambitions to exercise motor sports in a professional environment.”
Team manager Udo Huppertz: “The Ferrari project was considered for the first time mid January. Our discussions with car owner Torbjörn Ekstrand went on quickly and successfully. The car and various equipments were delivered on 28th February 2012. The workshop is now waiting for some parts which are required for the modifications. Our target is to compete with the car for the first time beginning of April and our staff will certainly work very hard again to achieve this. The makes of Porsche and Ferrari are legends in the field of sports cars and each one claims the crown in endurance racing for himself. It is a special honour and challenge for us to be able to bring this car to the starting grid. Our fantastic network in partnerships will support us in this project as well. Apart from the sporting targets, the focus is on the same elements. We wish to deliver the usual good service for all of our customers, whether Clio, Porsche, Ferrari or any other customer. The fact that in particular these persons place their confidence in us to run these cars at the Nordschleife confirms that we have been on the right way. It is now essential to adapt the scalable structures in the team to the new tasks. The supply of consistent high quality, to see customer satisfaction in first place and to achieve the set sporting targets will remain our main aims in future, too.”
